Kick the plastic habit: A New Year’s resolution that matters

Australians are urged to make 2009 the year they kick their plastic habit and start with a New Year’s resolution to refuse, reuse and avoid plastic.

Australia produces more than 1.3 million tonnes of plastic each year – more than 60kg for every person - and much of it ends up in landfill or waterways and the ocean where it can kill seabirds and marine mammals such as whales.

Clean Up Australia Chairman Ian Kiernan AO said New Year’s resolutions often come and go quickly but making one for 2009 to reduce plastic would have a chance to last longer - because there is a clear benefit for the environment.

“When the clock strike 12 on January 1, I’d like to see kicking our plastic habit right up there with exercising more or stopping smoking on people’s list of New Year’s resolutions.

“Simple actions, like drinking tap water instead of bottled water or choosing products that don’t have excess plastic packaging are easy to achieve and have a direct environmental benefit.

“Seeing how easy it is to make a difference would act as a motivator for people to keep going. This is the sort of New Year’s resolution that could make it to 2010 and beyond.”

Mr Kiernan said another way to make a New Year’s resolution last would be to start by going plastic free for a week and then continuing once the new habit became a normal part of life. Even going plastic bag and plastic bottle free will make a difference.

“We’re far too reliant on plastic and it’s costing the Earth, and our hip pockets, dearly. You could save more than $1200 a year simply by drinking tap water instead of buying plastic bottled water,” he said.

Mr Kiernan said plastic is the most common item found on Clean Up Australia Day year after year.

“Help limit the amount of plastic rubbishing our environment by making it your resolution this New Year.”

For further information or interviews contact Alana Mew, 0423 377 567